Originally published March 23, 2009

Shush, woman daydreaming.

Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits. ~Satchel Paige.

I still, after all these years, tend to feel guilty for my strong requirement for time alone to do nothing other than daydream. The world worships goals and productivity. One does not see books with titles such as “7 Habits of Highly Inefficient Daydreamers.”

“I was so busy today,” seems to be the modern, and expected refrain. This is perfectly acceptable, however, to say, “You know I chose not to do anything or to see anyone today, I did not even answer my phone,” is taken as highly unusual, if not suspect.

One day last week, I realized I was angry. In the way I have learned to deal with this, I asked myself, “Honey, what’s going on with you?”

The whisper came: “Doing too much. Time to relax and rest.”

Ah. I had been trying to keep up with the ‘Jones’ in many areas, losing myself in the process. Time to get back to me. Time to refill the well, as it is known in writer talk.

He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities. ~Benjamin Franklin.

It is an art to be cultivated, this resting. Not sleeping, which I very often have done because it seems productive, and an unobtrusive way to hide. But to simply allow the soul to rest, to daydream and simply be is what is needed. It is amazing how simply sitting still for five minutes can sometimes be the most difficult thing, yet the most refreshing. Just sit with no agenda. No well-meaning prayer, no purposeful meditation, no paper and pen to write or plan.

For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “ In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” ~Isaiah 30:15

Cat on the lap and cup of tea do seem to to encourage daydreaming.

Enjoy some daydreaming today.

Blessings,
CurtissAnn